More than $90,000 was donated in less than 30 minutes at the launch of the Australian Foundation for Disaster Relief (AFDR), held at Grand Royale on 18 October.

The remarkable response marked a strong start for an organisation built around a simple belief: disasters do not discriminate, and neither should support.

Among the dignitaries attending were Dr S. Jankiraman, Consul-General of India in Sydney; Julia Finn MP; Dr Michelle Byrne, Mayor of The Hills Shire; and Warren Kirby MP.

Support for communities in crisis

AFDR is an Australian organisation dedicated to helping communities affected by disasters. Its mission is to mobilise resources through partnerships and community support, assisting individuals and families regardless of where disaster strikes or their background.

AFDR plans to work with trusted humanitarian and community organisations that have local knowledge and established connections. Its approach covers urgent relief, recovery and longer-term rehabilitation, with support guided by the needs of each community.

The organisation’s vision is for every community affected by disaster to have the support and opportunity to recover, rebuild and thrive. AFDR is now building the partnerships and capability needed to contribute to future relief and recovery activities.

The people behind AFDR

AFDR’s board is led by Chairperson Jagdish Trivedi and Vice Chairperson Sewa Singh. Jigish Purohit serves as Secretary, Samir Mehta as Treasurer, and Srinivasa Rao as Joint Secretary.

The directors are Ajay Kumar Dhull, Smitha Karki, Amardeep Malik, Dr Jyothi Marry, Arjun Mehta and Dr Sunil Vyas. The foundation’s advisers are Dr Maurice Lionel Newman AC, Dr Jayker “Jay” Dave, Munish Grover and Sunil Gautam.

The launch showed the impact that can come from people joining around a shared purpose. The early donations give AFDR a strong foundation as it develops its partnerships and works towards providing practical support to communities facing disaster.

Learn more about AFDR at afdr.com.au.

Photo Credit Rakesh Arora

  AFDR, Australia Foundation for Disaster Relief, charity, community support, disaster recovery, Disaster Relief, disaster response, humanitarian support, Sydney community, The Hills Shire